I don't think that users are just frantically hitting refresh on the Questions page so that each new question that pops up gets their attention as soon as it gets posted. I mean it's a good thing, but how?

Do you mean on SO? I don't remember the exact data, but the number of visits/day is just huge. I'm not surprised that someone arrives/visits the main stream of question just when you ask it.
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AlenannoNov 17 '12 at 11:21

The websocket-based new-question notifications do allow for fast responses these days. No need for constant refreshing!
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Martijn PietersNov 17 '12 at 11:25